Is Throat Cancer Curable ?

When throat cancer is detected at an early stage, the chance of cure is greatest. If it is spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes in the throat, then the chance of cure drops but is definitely curable. When the cancer is sown to the rest of the body, the cure is no longer possible and treatment is aimed at illuminating the disease (palliative). The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chance of cure. Throat cancer occurs more often in men and especially in people over 45 years.

You can get the following treatments:

• radiation (external)
• radiation (internal)
• operation
• chemoradiation
• chemotherapy
• light therapy

In the treatment of throat cancer, the first attempt will be made to minimize the mucous membrane of the throat cavity. Treatment of the first choice in small throat tumors is irradiation. In case of larger throat tumors, an operation may be required. Also, in case of major throat tumors besides radiation, you will also receive chemotherapy. This combination is called chemoradiation.

The mucous membrane of the throat cavity also surrounds the larynx. In the larynx are the vocal cords. A tumor below the throat can damage the larynx. The treatment will try to save the larynx as much as possible. But sometimes, removal of the laryngeal (laryngectomy) is necessary.

The tumor can be sown to the lymph nodes in the neck. Then it will be necessary to remove the lymph nodes in the neck and/or to radiate the neck.

Sometimes there is no cure possible because the tumor is too extensive. Or because there are sores in the rest of your body. You can then get a palliative treatment. A palliative treatment is aimed at remedying or reducing your complaints.

Treatment plan
Your treatment doctor together with a number of other specialists will prepare a treatment plan for you. They do this on the basis of national guidelines. They discuss the results of the previous surveys you have had. The treatment plan bases the doctors based on the following data:

• The stage of the disease
• Characteristics of the tumor, for example, how fast the cancer cells share
• The tumor site
• Your physical condition

Your doctor will discuss the treatment (s) and possible side effects with you.

You can also get involved with several doctors and caregivers. For example:

• ENT doctor
• head-neck surgeon
• jaw surgeon
• dermatologist
• reconstructive surgeon
• radiotherapy or radiotherapist
• radiologist
• anesthesiologist
• internist oncologist
• dentist and/or prosthetist
• dental hygienist
• speech therapist
• (specialized) physiotherapist
• rehabilitation physician
• dietician
• nursing specialist and nurses
• social nurse, social worker or medical psychologist

*Image source : Care Whizz

References :

1. National Cancer Institute
2. Mayo Clinic
3. American Cancer Society